Is rheumatic heart disease a congenital heart disease?

Rheumatic heart disease is more common than congenital heart disease in many developing countries, reflecting the socioeconomic problems of poverty, overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of antibiotics.

What is congenital rheumatic heart disease?

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage may start shortly after untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection such as strep throat or scarlet fever.

Is rheumatic heart disease can be cured?

There is no cure for rheumatic heart disease and the damage to the heart valves are permanent. Patients with severe rheumatic heart disease will often require surgery to replace or repair the damages valve or valves.

How long can you live with congenital heart disease?

About 75% of babies born with a critical CHD are expected to survive to one year of age. About 69% of babies born with critical CHDs are expected to survive to 18 years of age.

Can congenital heart disease be cured?

There is no cure for CHD. Many people have surgeries to repair their heart, however, they are not cured. There may be long-term effects of heart surgery, such as abnormal heartbeats. A cardiologist can often detect problems with your heart before you notice any symptoms.

What are the long term effects of rheumatic heart disease?

Serious Complications Include Long-term Heart Damage If rheumatic fever is not treated promptly, long-term heart damage (called rheumatic heart disease) may occur. Rheumatic heart disease weakens the valves between the chambers of the heart. Severe rheumatic heart disease can require heart surgery and result in death.

What is the most common serious complication of rheumatic heart disease?

The most serious complication of rheumatic fever is rheumatic heart disease (RHD). RHD is the most common cause of heart problems in children worldwide and can lead to damage to the heart valves and chronic heart failure. Rheumatic fever is preventable by treating strep throat with antibiotics, usually penicillin.

How is RhD related to congenital heart disease?

Hospital-based studies recently reported that RHD accounts for 6.6–34.0% of cardiovascular disease-related hospital admissions or echocardiographic examinations performed in institutions across Africa. 16 In Africa, the vast majority of congenital cardiac lesions are not diagnosed prior to birth, due to severely limited antenatal screening for CHD.

What causes congenital and acquired valvular heart disease in pregnancy?

Congenital and Acquired Valvular Heart Disease in Pregnancy Valvular heart disease in women of childbearing age is most commonly caused by congenital abnormalities and rheumatic heart disease. Regurgitant lesions are well tolerated, while stenotic lesions are associated with a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications.

Can a woman with rheumatic heart disease get pregnant?

Bacterial endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, and may occur when rheumatic fever has damaged the heart valves. Complications of pregnancy and delivery due to heart damage. Women with rheumatic heart disease should discuss their condition with their healthcare provider before getting pregnant.

What are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease?

These are the most common symptoms of rheumatic fever: Swollen, tender, red and extremely painful joints — particularly the knees and ankles Red, raised, lattice-like rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen Symptoms of rheumatic heart disease depend on the degree of valve damage and may include: